Which countries’ airspace does Israel use to reach Iran?
News Desk
Islamabad: Security analysts and global media assessments indicate that Israel is likely to rely on multiple regional air routes if it conducts further air operations against Iran, with a strong emphasis on corridors passing through Syria and Iraq.
Experts note that a significant number of past operations targeting Iran have been executed via Syrian and Iraqi airspace, where air defense capabilities are considered limited.
In recent years, amid political instability and conflict, Israel has also worked to establish a functional air corridor in southern Syria, including operations aimed at weakening Syrian air defense systems.
According to defense observers, Israeli aircraft are also likely to utilize the airspace of Jordan. The relatively stable ties between the two countries, strengthened by a 2020 agreement, have reportedly facilitated coordination, including the use of airspace.
Jordan previously assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, highlighting its role in regional aerial security dynamics.
Another possible, though riskier, route involves flying over northern Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. However, analysts caution that Saudi Arabia’s advanced air defense systems and modern interceptor aircraft could pose a significant threat to Israeli jets, particularly near strategic locations such as the Tabuk air base.
A longer and less likely option would see Israeli aircraft take a southern path over the Red Sea, circling around Yemen and Oman before approaching Iran. This route would involve a journey of approximately 4,700 kilometers and is generally viewed by experts as operationally impractical except under specific circumstances.
Analysts further suggest that Israeli fighter jets are currently most active over southern Syria, which has increasingly been used as a strategic aerial corridor. Reports indicate that Israeli refueling aircraft and drones are also operating in this airspace, reinforcing its importance in any sustained or long-range mission profile targeting Iran.
